We used Red, White and Free by Sandy Gervais. We liked it because it was patriotic, but a little more on the playful side.

I would like to tell you just how much work it was cutting out all these fabrics, but honestly it was a breeze because we used the Accuquilt with the Flowering Snowball template... piece of patriotic cake in fact.

The quilting is a series of wavy lines that reminds me of fireworks (maybe that's just me!).

The backing is really fun, we used leftover strips from the border which was this awesome panel.

So there you have it! In all seriousness, we truly appreciate all that the military folks do for our country. The danger and sacrifices they make for our country often times goes unnoticed and I'm so pleased that Moda decided to do a challenge to honor these men and women. I am thrilled at the thought of all those beautiful patriotic quilts that will get donated to military families to enjoy.

Here are the quilt stats:Pattern: Flower Snowball (template used was Accuquilt)Size: 58" x 73"Fabric:Red, White and Free by Sandy Gervais

Have you heard about the Pieces and Comfort Challenge? This is a challenge to recognize and honor the sacrifices that are made by our country's military families. By joining this challenge you have a chance to give back to those families by donating your quilts directly to an organization or to a local military family.

Challenge Rules:

WHO: All quilters who would like to create a beautiful quilt to honor a military family in their circle of friends, the community, or the nation.

WHEN: Challenge begins January 1, 2015 thru March 31, 2015

Challenge quilts will be displayed at our shop April 6 – 18. (If you’re not local, just send us a picture to jenn@quiltedthimblecottage.com Make sure to include the quilters name, city and contact information). • Customers will get to vote for their favorites. Each shop’s Viewers’ Choice winner will receive a prize. • A digital image of the Viewers’ Choice winner from each shop will be entered in Moda’sPiece and Comfortonline quilt show.

WHAT: Ninety percent of quilt must be made with Moda fabrics. Fifty percent of the Moda fabrics must come from one or both of the featured collections (Red, White, & Free or Because of the Brave).

Quilt(s) must be 54″x65″ or larger. • Quilt must be quilted or tied and bound. No quilt tops will be accepted. • Quilt must be labeled with Maker’s and Quilter’s name, city and contact information. • Quilt(s) remain property of maker unless they choose to donate quilt to a military family. • No limit to number of entries.